On the Tip of the Toes Foundation has a worthy ambition: to help young people living with cancer gain new skills and rebuild their self-esteem. The Foundation has organized unforgettable adventures for hundreds of youth, such as canoe, rafting and dog-sledding trips. One of their most popular annual fundraising events, Double défi des deux Mario, invites the public to get into the adventurous spirit with a 32 kilometer (nearly twenty mile) trek across the frozen Saint-Jean lake on skis or snowshoes. In February, 22 Resolute employees braved the cold to participate in this unique outdoor experience. The Foundation is based in Quebec’s Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, which is also home to numerous company operations and thousands of employees.

The trekkers trained for weeks for this
three-day, two-night excursion which saw them travel between five and 15
kilometers per day pulling sleds laden with heavy equipment. Extreme weather
conditions forced the organizers to modify the course in order to ensure the
safety of the participants. The groups headed back to the lake’s shores to
spend the night, and began walking again in the morning. In total, 150 brave souls
participated in the event. Many described the experience as challenging
physically as well as mentally, but remarked on how the cold and the
magnificent setting brought them all closer together. At times, the immense
lake, which covers 1,053 km2 (407 mi2), resembled an
arctic ice field.

Resolute’s team raised $38,500 in support of
the Foundation’s objectives. Members of the Resolute delegation shared their
motivations for participating in the event. “I profoundly believe that I can
improve the lives of these young people, said Janic Gaudreault, manager, Talent
acquisition for Quebec. “It’s a personal challenge that takes me out of my
comfort zone, and allows me to support the son of a colleague who is currently
battling cancer,” said Alexandre Fortin, HR supervisor, Mistassini sawmill. Frederic
Bergeron, Optimization and quality supervisor, Chateau-Richer remanufactured
wood facility, described how his family has been affected by his wife’s and his
own serious illnesses, and how these experiences spurred him to get involved: “It’s
a physical and mental challenge,” said Yvon Bibeau, Production manager,
Saint-Félicien pulp mill. Jean-Charles Foucault, HR manager, Dolbeau paper mill
added that this event represents the challenge of taking on the mythical Lac-Saint-Jean
lake in the middle of winter.

Congratulations to all those who took part in
this unforgettable event!